12 Day River Cruise from Vienna to Wiesbaden

This holiday river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria. And the views along the way can't be outdone-towns and villages decorated for the holidays as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal.

Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Wiesbaden, Germany. In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide, or opt for a culinary walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries-sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season. In Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany's oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. In Wurzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop's Residenz-home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Gluhwein (hot mulled wine).

Your last stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river-sure to be even more appealing illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Your delightful festive cruise ends in Wiesbaden.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've used our 89 years to design a cruise experience that's just a bit different. Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.

Panoramic windows throughout the ship

Elegant, contemporary design & decor

Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship

Avalon FreshSM healthy cuisine options

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch & dinner

Avalon Choice® cruising experience

Included sightseeing with headsets by Certified Local Guides

Complimentary Nordic walking sticks

Complimentary bicycles available for time on shore

Local FavoritesSM - onboard cultural & artisan experiences

Sky Deck shade system & premium lounge chairs

Well-stocked library with books, cards, and games

Comfort Collection BedsSM

Egyptian super-combed cotton linens

Bathrobes & slippers

Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer

Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door

Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels

Individual climate control

Complimentary bottled water daily

Club Lounge with 24-hour, self-serve beverage station

Premium coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate & teas

Cookies & fresh fruit available throughout the day

And, much more

Highlights & Sightseeing

Days 1-2 Vienna: onboard welcome reception on Day 1; choice of guided sightseeing, or culinary tour at Christmas market on Day 2

Day 3 Melk-Grein: guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; guided walk in Grein, visit the historical theater

Alternative light lunch or (weather permitting) grill fare at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck

Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the main dining room

Alternative dinner of petite portions or regional specialties with wines, in the Panorama Bistro

Daily Afternoon Tea

Daily Night Fare

Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included daily on board your vessel

Notes

Christmas Markets are open from the first weekend of December, depending on the location.

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.

Special features and day of operation are subject to change.

Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Vienna, Austria (Embarkation)

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. This afternoon, board your cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (Dinner)

NOTE:Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

Day 2Vienna

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, this is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral-plus, countless other sights you'll see on your GUIDED TOUR. Alternatively, we offer you a special CULINARY TOUR at the Viennese Christmas markets where you can taste all the best flavors that Austria has to offer during Christmastime. Be sure to enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3Melk-Grein

This morning sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe's largest monasteries, dominates the town and hosts an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You'll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings. Relax and enjoy onboard of your ship while sailing into Grein, a quaint little village, and after a WALKING TOUR, visit the oldest THEATER of Austria. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4Passau, Germany

This morning, you may wish to join an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see some of the popular Sound of Music sites, find out how mice caused the composition of the famous Silent Night carol, and learn how Austrians celebrate Christmas. Rejoin your ship in Passau in the early evening or stay on board and relax as you cruise to Passau, located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of cobblestone streets, lined with beautiful patrician houses, and at this time of year, the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is set up against the magnificent backdrop of St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5Regensburg

Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. The only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of "historic interest." Architectural highlights included on your GUIDED WALK are the 13th-century Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany's oldest restaurants. During free time explore on your own or visit the Regensburg Christmas market, including the ones hosted by Thurn and Taxis Palace. The tempting aromas of mulled wine, sausage, roasted almonds, and gingerbread create a memorable atmosphere. Enjoy an ONBOARD LECTURE about Christmas traditions and, before dinner tonight we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6Nuremberg

Although 90% of its Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Choose from an included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at the city's medieval fortifications, gothic churches, and Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. The Old Town is illuminated with festive lights, and the Christmas market is one of the biggest in Germany, featuring 200 stalls selling traditional wares and foods. After your free time at the Christmas market, a shuttle bus service will be at your disposal to take you back to the ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7Nuremberg. (Disembarkation) Excursion to Munich. (Embarkation)

After breakfast, disembark the vessel which has brought you to Nuremberg and drive to Munich, where a local expert will proudly show you the sights of the Bavarian capital. An inspiring mix of historic buildings and impressive architecture, you'll see the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, Nymphenburg Palace, MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city with the Old and New Town Halls, and the gothic Frauenkirche. Later, there's free time to explore on your own. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air and the strains of alpine Christmas music coming from the town hall. At the nearby Rindermarkt, you'll find the Kripperlmarkt, one of the largest markets in Germany to specialize in mangers and other nativity accessories. And don't leave Munich without paying a visit to the famous Hofbräuhaus for a stein of beer! Return to Nuremberg in the late afternoon and embark on the ship which will take you to Frankfurt.(Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8Nuremberg

A day to relax and enjoy Nuremberg at your own pace. Stroll through the festively lit streets, buy those last-minute Christmas gifts, or ask your Cruise Director for suggestions of things to do. Shuttle service available. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9Bamberg

In the early morning hours, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)-built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! At this time of year, especially interesting are the nativity scenes built by local residents and exhibited throughout the town. Enjoy the Christmas market, where, in addition to candles and decorations, you'll find many regional delicacies, like gingerbread and nut bread. Rejoin your ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, cruise along the Main River to Wurzburg, and attend a fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about European Christmas traditions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10Wurzburg

Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The city makes an immediate impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the magnificent baroque BISHOP'S RESIDENZ, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon you are free to explore on your own-maybe visit the Christmas markets or join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg where you will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas Museum. Be sure to try a Schneeball (snowball), a local specialty not at all suitable for a diet! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11Miltenberg

A CULINARY DEMONSTRATION will be delivered before lunch and before your arrival in Miltenberg. Tucked away behind medieval defensive walls and towered gates, the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg is a cultural gem on the banks of the Main River. This afternoon's GUIDED WALK will acquaint you with the town's delightful Marktplatz (market square), which centers around a Renaissance-era fountain and features striking half-timbered buildings, cobblestone lanes, and one of the oldest inns in Germany, Haus zum Riesen (the giant's house) and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. There's free time to explore before you depart for Wiesbaden before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12Wiesbaden (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)NOTE:Flights out of Frankfurt should not leave before 10 am.

Call (303) 471-0068 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13623635

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

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